MARSHALL, Texas (9/03/13)- East Texas Baptist University will hold Convocation on Friday, September 6, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in Baker Auditorium of the Ornelas Spiritual Life Center. The Convocation Chapel is the official beginning of the fall semester.

“One of the universal patterns of families and groups is to pause and celebrate things that are most cherished for that family or group,” said Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lawrence Ressler. “We have birthdays, anniversaries, holidays to remind us of the importance of life, and marriage and such things as the birth of Christ or the resurrection of Jesus. Convocation and commencement are two special days that remind us of the central purpose of a university – it is a place to learn.”

ETBU President Dr. Dub Oliver will welcome those in attendance and deliver the official pronouncement for the 2013-2014 Academic Year. Students along with faculty members will also be participants in the ceremony to pray, read scripture, and offer the dedication to the classes and to faculty/staff members.

Dr. Ressler, who will deliver the charge to the students, adds, “At convocation, we celebrate the official beginning of the learning season and at commencement we celebrate the formal ending of the learning season. To make it special, we dress up in academic regalia with all its colors and symbols that go back many centuries. And every celebration needs a parade which at convocation involves a procession of the faculty, administrators, and trustees who are responsible for the university. Convocation is designed to help us appreciate the marvelous opportunity we have to obtain an education.”

ETBU provides a Christ centered education that emphasizes the integration of faith and learning. The ETBU experience is known for “Embracing Faith, Engaging Minds, and Empowering Leaders.” ETBU offers graduate programs in business, counseling, religion and education, as well as 40 undergraduate degree programs. For more information, visit www.etbu.edu.